The Redskins announced on Friday that running back Ladell Betts has been signed to a contract extension. Betts was set to become a free agent in the spring so keeping the fifth year veteran has been a high priority for the Redskins.

The deal, worth 5 years, $11 million according to ESPN.com, comes following Betts’ first career back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances. He set a career high with 155 yards rushing against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.

Betts was selected in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, the same draft class that produced Clinton Portis, T.J. Duckett, and Rock Cartwright. During his career, he has primarily been used as a reserve running back and as the primary kickoff returner.

After Clinton Portis broke his hand in Week 9 against Philadelphia and was placed on injured reserve, Betts took over the starting role and has used his increased playing time to his advantage.

Betts already has more 100-yard rushing games in 2006 (3), than he had in his previous four seasons (2). Betts has rushed for 643 yards and two touchdowns this season.

After Talks with Gibbs, Lloyd Expects To Play Against Philadelphia

After Brandon Lloyd was benched with less than three minutes remaining in the game against the Atlanta Falcons for taking off his helmet and throwing it in frustration, Coach Joe Gibbs met with the wide receiver twice this week to discuss the situation and how on-the-field situations should be handled.

The incident came after a pass thrown by quarterback Jason Campbell was intercepted by Falcons safety Chris Crocker. The Redskins were attempting to make a late comeback after giving up 24 unanswered points.

Lloyd’s playing status for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia had reportedly been unknown, but Gibbs stated after the meetings that Lloyd would play against the Eagles.

Portis Has Successful Shoulder Surgery

Clinton Portis had successful outpatient surgery on his left shoulder on Tuesday, which repaired a torn labrum. He will require about six months of rehabilitation.

Portis injured his shoulder in the first week of the preseason and did not appear to be fully healed for the eight regular season games that he played in. He then suffered a fractured right hand against the Eagles in Week 9 that was going to keep him out for three to five weeks. The Redskins placed him on injured reserve, ending his season and giving him extra time during the season to rehab both injuries.

Novak Released, Boschetti Returns, Practice Squad Vacancy Filled

The Redskins released kicker Nick Novak this week in favor of Shaun Suisham. The Redskins signed Suisham to the practice squad last week and elevated him to the active roster shortly before the Falcons game. Novak did not play at all on Sunday, while Suisham handled kickoff, field goal, and extra point duties.

Defensive lineman Ryan Boschetti was re-signed on Monday. Boschetti was released from the active roster to make room for Suisham following his elevation from the practice squad.

The Redskins also filled the final practice squad slot by signing former Philadelphia Eagle defensive end Jamaal Green.

Green was a fourth round selection by the Eagles in the 2003 draft out of the University of Miami. He has appeared in 8 games, all in 2004, and has two tackles and one sack in his career. He has spent time on the Chicago Bears practice squad for part of the last two seasons.

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